Skip Counting
What is Skip Counting?
"In skip counting, the child gives correct names, but instead of counting by 1's, they count by 2s, 5s, 10s or other values" (Reys, R. E., Lindquist, M. M., Smith, N. L., Rogers, A., Falle, J., Frid, S., & Bennett, S., 2012, p. 154).
Skip counting is a mathematics technique that teaches students how to count by numbers other than 1. In order to skip count however, the same count needs to be made every time. For example when counting by 4's you must count every fourth number each time, e.g. 4 - 8 - 12 - 16 - 20. This technique can also be used to count backwards for example 20 - 16 - 12 - 8 - 4 - 0. It is also commonly known as a form of early multiplication.
Video: Pierce, R. (2015). "Definition of Skip Counting". Math Is Fun. Retrieved from https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/skip-counting.html
Why is Skip Counting Important?
Early Years Level F-2
Skip counting is important in the development of fluency in calculation, number sense and as the basis of multiplication and division. It is also important to help students move from calculating by counting by ones to using number facts. For example, instead of working out 8 + 4 by counting 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, students can immediately add 4, or possibly add 2 twice. This transition to using fluent number facts is a key to success throughout school.
Skip counting is a gradually developing skill as students continue to expand the range of numbers with which they can skip count.
The Department Of Education & Training
"Skip counting is very important to help build a solid foundation for multiplication"
Dora Cheung
